.N2C5 




■ 





\V «/», 



5? ^ 



,** v* _% 












V- \> 



3 *fc 






^ - 






-^ v * 



f 













^ ^ * 



'< ^<<f 








ft^^V'*"/ v° 





o , x "* i A o * . 




<\V <p_ 




NKTICK, 

MASSACHUSETTS. 



ITS 



AQvantages for Koionco, 



AND AS 



A PLAGE OF BUSINESS, 



PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN, 



By AMOS P. CHENEY, 



NATICK, MASS. : 

BULLETIN STEAM PRINT, 

1889, 



i- -h 



i 










NATICK, 



ITS LOCATION AND EARLY HISTORY, 



This is one of the southern border 
towns of Middlesex County. It extends 
nearly six miles north and south, by a 
little less than five miles in width, with a 
very irregular outline, and contains a 
little more than 8,300 acres. Natick 
centre is, bv air line, about sixteen miles 
from the State House, Boston, but by the 
line of the B. & A. R. R. it is seventeen 
miles from that city. 

Natick is the aboriginal name of the 
township, and signifies "a place of hills." 
This township was granted to the Indian 
converts, at the request of the Apostle 
Eliot, by the inhabitants of Dedham, 
under the sanction of the General Court. 
As nearly all these lands were the in- 
heritance of the Speen family, it was 
thought best by Eliot and others that 
they should give up their right in them, 
which they were all very willing to do. 
And therefore, "on a lecture day, pub- 



lickly and solemnly, before the Lord and 
all the people, John Speen and all his 
kindred, friends aud posterity, gave away 
all iheir right aud interest which they 
formerly had in the land in aud about 
Natick, "that so the praying Iudiaus might 
then make a towne." 

Under Eliot's direction a form of gov- 
ernment was established on a Scriptural 
plan. It was the same which Moses 
adopted by advice of Jethro : 

"Moreover thou shalt provide, out of dtl 
the people, able men, such as fear Goch men 
of truth, hating covetousness, and place ovet 
them, to be rulers of thousands and rulers 
of hundreds, and rulers of fifties and rulers 
of tens. And let them judge the people at 
all seasons ; and it shall be that every great 
matter they shall bring unto thee, but every 
small matter they shall judge.'" — Exodus 
xviii; 21.22. 

This plan was literally carried out, but 
it is not known how long it continued 
to serve their needs. As early as 171G, 
however, selectmen and other town of- 
ficers were chosen by them similar to 
those now elected in Massachusetts towns. 

The first church was built on the site of 
the present Unitarian church at So. Natick. 
This church stood between two oak trees, 
one of which, called the Eliot oak, is 
still standing, and it is claimed by many 
that the Apostle stood beneath its 
branches, to preach to the Indians, before 
the church was built. 

This was the first Indian church in 
America. The following is a description 
of the original meeting house : "There is 



one large house built after the English 
manner. The lower room is a large hall 
which serves for a meeting house on the 
Lord's day and a school house on the 
week days. There is a large canopy of 
mats, raised upon poles, for Mr Eliot and 
his company, and other sort of canopies 
for themselves to sit under, the men and 
the women being placed apart. The up- 
per room is a kind of wardrobe, where 
the Indians hang up their skins and other 
things of value. In the corner of this 
room Mr. Eliot has an apartment par- 
titioned off, with a bed and bedstead in 
it." 

This description was given by Major- 
General Gookin of Cambridge, who was 
appointed superintendent of all the In- 
dians who had subjected themselves to 
the provincial government. He accom- 
panied Mr. Eliot in his missionary tours. 
While one preached the Gospel the other 
administered civil affairs among the In- 
dians. 

Until 1733 the government of the town 
was in the hands of the Indians alone, 
but in 1745 when Natick was "erected into 
a precinct or parish," by the General 
Court, the English inhabitants only were 
included, the Indians being under guard- 
ianship. 

The public business of the parish was 
transacted at South Natick until the close 
of the eighteenth century when, by a 
majority vote of the inhabitants, it was 
transferred to the centre of the township. 
Natick was incorporated in 1781. The 
first town-house was built in 1830. 



DESCRIPTION. 

While the two principal villages are 
built on extended plains, the greater 
portion of the town is broken up into 
hills and valleys, well furnished with 
springs, ponds and water courses. 

Among the hills, which give the name 
to the town, are many prominent emi- 
nences which command extensive views 
of the country around. The chief of 
these is Peg an Hill, so called from its 
aboriginal owner. From its summit, 
which rises 420 feet above tide water, can 
be seen from 11 f teen to twenty village 
churches in various directions, a portion 
of Boston harbor, the Blue Hills, Wachu- 
set and Monadnoc mountains, and on a 
clear day the White mountains can be 
discerned in the distance. The principal 
of the remaining hills are Broad's, 
Carver's, Train's, Loker's. Walnut and 
Tom's. The last is so called from its 
having been owned, in olden time, by a 
celebrated Indian who went by the name 
of Captain Tom. 

FELCIIYILLE. 

The centre of this community lies nearly 
one mile northwest from the middle of the 
town. It has a more elevated site than 
Natiek centre. North main street is the 
principal thoroughfare, from which di- 
verge several streets which lead up the 
western slope of Walnut hill. The land 
is admirably adapted to residential pur- 
poses, being high and dry, with a pleas- 
ing prospect. The streets are wide and 
hard and the village is closely connected 
by horse railroad with the centre of the 



town. 

The name was derived from the leading 
family of the neighborhood. Asa Felch, 
one of its earliest members, is entitled to 
the distinction of being the first person in 
Natick to engage in the manufacture of 
pegged shoes for the wholesale trade. 
His enterprise had a modest beginning, 
lie bought only a small lot of upper 
leather and of sole leather from manu- 
facturers of neighboring towns. The 
cutting of this stock, making it into 
shoes, finishing and packing them for 
market, was entirely the work of his own 
hands. That was in 1827, some four 
years before the railroad from Boston to 
Worcester was commenced, and fifteen 
years before any express company existed. 
Therefore, Mr. Felch took his first lot of 
'•Natick brogans" into Boston with his 
own one-horse team. They were readily 
sold to a shoe and leather merchant, who 
in return delivered what leather he desired 
and paid the balance in cash. It was a 
successful venture, and our pioneer ex- 
tended his business and soon employed 
assistants in several departments of the 
work. His example was contagious, and 
a few years later there were several man- 
ufacturers established, not only in Felch- 
ville, but in other parts of the town. The 
new industry drew in workmen from other 
communities. The completion of the 
Boston & Worcester railroad gave a 
strong impuise to the increase of business 
and growth of the town. This has been 
continued, and now the expansion of 
Felch ville and that of the centre of the 



8 

town has brought them nearly together. 
In addition to the horse railroad there is 
a Felchville station on the Saxonville 
branch of the Boston & Albany railroad. 
If the projected spur of the Massachusetts 
Central railroad should be extended to 
Natick, it would pass directly through this 
village, giving excellent railway facilities. 

SHEETS OF W T ATER. 

Loug Pond, more often called by its 
Indian name, Lake Cochituate, covers 659 
acres. It is well known as one of the 
sources of Boston's water supply. Its 
head rests near the centre of Natick, 
whence it stretches away more than seven 
miles in a northerly direction, passing 
into the town of Wayland. This lake is 
a favorite resort of boatmen. The Natick 
Boat Club and others have more than 100 
boats upon it during the season. 

Dug Pond lies just above Lake Co- 
chituate and covers fifty acres. It 
furnishes the inhabitants of Natick with 
water for fire and domestic use. Various 
theories have been advanced as to the 
reason for its bearing this name. Some 
say that the steep descent of the banks 
suggest the idea that the basin occupied 
by the pond was dug or artificially exca- 
vated. Near the shore this pond has a 
gravelly bottom, but, a short distance 
out. ii is found to be solid rock which 
su<'d< nly terminates in an almost perpen- 
dicular descent to an unknown depth, as 
all efforts to sound it have proved unsuc- 
cessful. Another peculiarity of this pond 
is that, as stated by Biglow, "It has no 



natural inlet,- except from the clouds 
above, or the springs beneath ; and no 
outlet but by evaporation or absorption." 
Early in this century, however, a small 
stream was diverted from its original 
channel and made to flow into this pond, 
and an artificial sluice now conducts its 
surplus water into Lake Cochituate. 
Although Dug Pond is separated frOra 
the latter by only a few rods its surface 
is many feet higher. There is an inter- 
esting legend connected with this pond. 
In the earliest days of the Massachusetts 
colony, the white visitors observed at 
night, apparently at great depth in the 
water, a brilliant light. The Indians 
regarded this phenomenon with great 
awe, as they believed it to be a special 
manifestation of the Great Spirit. In 
time the fame of this light extended to 
England, and a native of that country, 
excited by curiosity, crossed the Atlantic 
and visited this pond to see for himself, 
this wondrous light. He engaged an 
Indian to take him in a canoe to a point 
directly over the luminous spot. Having 
carefully observed it, the stranger sud- 
denly plunged into the water for the 
evident purpose of reaching and securing 
the brilliant object. The Indian, sur- 
prised at such an act of rashness, and 
uttering an exclamation of horror, paddled 
swiltly to the shore and fled from the 
neighborhood, leaving the presumptuous 
stranger to whatever fate such a defiance 
of the Great Spirit should bring upon 
him. 
Nonesuch Pond, on the northeastern 



10 

boundary, is about the size of Dug Pond, 
The smaller ponds are Pickerel, Mud and 
Jennings' all not far from Nonesuch. 
Morse's Pond lies near the southern line 
of the town. This and Jennings' Pond 
are utilized as the source of water power. 

CHARLES RIVER AND SMALLER STREAMS 

This beautiful river, often called "the 
winding Charles," well deserves that 
appellation. It is said that two bridges 
crossing the river in this vicinity are but 
five miles apart by the highway, but if a 
person goes from one to the other by 
boat, on the river, he will make a journey 
of thirty miles before reaching his des- 
tination. The Charles river flows through 
the south village affording a valuable 
water power in that place. Many dwellers 
on its banks enjoy boating in summer, 
while in winter, hundreds of skaters are 
often gathered on its surface to enjoy 
that exhilarating and healthful sport. 

The smaller streams consist of six 
brooks bearing the following names, viz. : 
Snake, Sawin, Pegan, Bacon, Steep and 
Jennings. They are distributed widely 
apart throughout the town, and are tribu- 
tary to the river, ponds and lake. 

SCENERY. 

The scenery in and around Natick is 
charming. Pleasant walks and delightful 
drives are found in every direction. 

Starting from the railway station for a 
drive, take Washington, East Central, 
and Union streets to South Natick ; thence 
turning to the left of the Unitarian 
church, by the Wellesley road, to the 



11 

estate of H. H. Hunnewell, Esq. Return 
home by the Pond road, so called, and East 
Central street. On Union street, to the 
left, on the height, is the reservoir of the 
Natick Water Works. A. little farther 
on, near the residence of S. W. Childs, a 
very extended view breaks upon the sight, 
including not only the village of South 
Natick, but portions of Dover, Wellesley, 
Needham and Dedhara. Just east of the 
Unitarian church at South Natick, may be 
seen, the Eliot Oak tree before mentioned. 
At the entrance to the Hunnewell grounds, 
hitching posts are found for the con* 
venience of those who come with a 
carriage. Through the kindness and 
liberality of Mr. H. H. Hunnewell visitors 
are allowed to go over his grounds, 
where the art of landscape gardening in 
many forms is carried to a high state of 
perfection. 

A very interesting drive is to take the 
same course to South Natick, passing, 
this time, to the right of the Unitarian 
church. We are now in the public square. 
The whole open space before us is full of 
historic interest. The streets to the 
right and left, as well as the park, and 
the grounds of the Bacon Free Library 
were within the limits of the original 
Indian burying place. This is the scene 
of the first successful apostolic labors of 
John Eliot among the Indians. Here, in 
the park is the monument to his memory, 
while near by, at the left on the opposite 
side of the street, is the grave of Daniel 
Takawampait, the Indiau preacher, or- 
dained by Eliot, and who was his imme*: 



12 

diate successor. Over this grave stands 
the original headstone which is the only 
one known to have been erected to the 
memory of any of the Natick Indians. 
South Natick is the village made famous, 
also, by Harriet Beecher Stowe in her 
well known book "Oldtown Folks." Her 
husband, Professor Stowe, who figured 
as one of the prominent characters, was 
a native of this village. Continuing our 
drive we reach the stone bridge which 
spans the Charles river, from which 
point, on either side, charming river 
views may be obtained. Pegan Hill, the 
highest eminence in Natick, is the objec- 
tive point of this drive, and the extended 
piospect from the summit, as previously 
described, well repays the visitor. The 
varied views, as one descends the hill, are 
also highly pleasing. 

A short, and for a portion of the way, 
rather wild drive is through Marion, 
Bacon and Oak to Worcester street. Qn 
Bacon street are located the famous 
Waban Conservatories, devoted chiefly to 
the culture of choice roses. This is said 
to be the largest establishment of its kind 
in New England. From the heights of 
Walnut hill on the return a commanding 
view of the centre of the town is obtained. 
The village of Cochituate lies three 
miles north of Natick. Near it is the 
gate house of the Boston Water Works. 
This is a pretty place to visit. One can 
go by carriage or horse-cars. 

South Framingham is four miles from 
Natick, and Framingham centre lies two 
wiles beyond. Jn the latter village the 



13 

State Normal School is located. The 
Sherborn Reformatory for women is in 
full view from South Framingham, and a 
short distance from its southern border. 

A drive to the ancient town of Sher- 
born, three miles distant, and back by 
South Natick, will be interesting. The 
first white settlers in the Indian town of 
Natick came from Sherborn to the south 
village. When Gen. Washington was on 
his way to Boston, he passed over this 
road. On approaching South Natick, 
when he beheld the river and the neigh- 
boring hills he remarked: "Nature has 
here lavished all her charms." By this 
drive one passes the former residence of 
Rev. Stephen Badger, one of the suc- 
cessors of Eliot as minister to the Indians. 
During his ministry, in 1753, a deputation 
of Indians, one bearing two elm trees on 
his shoulders, applied to him for per- 
mission to plant those trees before his 
door as a mark of their regard, or as they 
called them, "the trees of friendship." 
One of these trees is still standing in 
front of that house, which is now occu- 
pied by Mr. Z. H. Stain. 

A pleasant and romantic walk can be 
enjoyed by going over Walnut and 
Worcester streets to Pickerel Pond. Not 
far from the junction of Worcester and 
Oak streets, the path leaves the highway 
by a private road, a mile in length, 
through the woods. As the road branches 
in various directions, a guide will be 
needed over this portion of the way. 
Those who are not good walkers would 
find it necessary to rjde to the entrance 



14 

of the forest path. 

A very enjoyable excursion can be 
made to Wellesley College, about two 
miles distant, going by way of East 
Central street to the lodge at the entrance, 
and thence by the driveway which leads 
to the college buildings. One can return, 
if he wishes to vary the route, by either 
Wellesley or South Natick. 

ADDITIONAL OBJECTS OF INTEREST. 

Numerous objects of interest have been 
noted in connection with drives. In 
addition, we may mention the site on 
Hartfort street, near Tom's Hill, of the 
home of Crispus Attucks, the famous 
Indian mulatto. He was the first person 
who fell in the Revolution, being killed 
in the Boston Massacre, March 5, 1770. 

On South street, not far from Morse's 
mill, is the site of the first white settle- 
ment in Natick, by Thomas Sawin, the 
land being deeded to him by the Indians 
iu 1686. 

Beside the Indian burying place in 
South Natick, near Charles river, there is 
another one of later date on Pond street, 
near Main. A fatal epidemic breaking 
out among the Indians about 1754, this 
ground was taken for the purpose of 
interment. Ever since the extinction of 
the race in this vicinity, it has been lying 
in a neglected state, until recently, when 
the Wamsquon Association was formed 
for the purpose of reclaiming and con- 
verting it into an Indian memorial park. 

On West Central street, not far from 
Spring street, may be seen the former 



15 

home of Henry Wilson, the late Vice 
President of the United States, who was, 
for more than forty years, a resident of 
Natick. This house is now occupied by 
Dr. G. C. Smith. 



Every large town Deeds a public park, 
and Natick is so fortunate as to possess 
one. It is located on the borders of Dug 
Pond and comprises about fifty acres of 
land. As it is a recent acquisition, its 
beauties and advantages have been but 
partially developed. A considerable por- 
tion is covered with well-grown trees. 
There are, also, good natural facilities 
for boating on the pond. These advan- 
tages have already made it a popular 
resort. 

In both the centre of the town and the 
south village there is a small park or 
common, each well furnished with trees. 
In the former, stands a monument to the 
memory of the soldiers, and in the latter 
may be seen the only monument erected 
in honor of the Apostle Eliot. 

GROVES. 

There are several groves in and around 
Natick where picnic parties— large or 
small — or other public gatherings can be 
held. These are furnished with facilities 
for boating and other amusements usually 
found in connection with such grounds. 

IIEALTH AND LONGEVITY. 

Few towns in Massachusetts of the 
size of Natick can present a better record 
for healthfulness. During the past year, 



16 

which was not an exceptionally good one, 
the rate of mortality was less than 1.5 
per cent. One third of the deaths were 
of persons more than sixty years old, one 
of whom had reached the advanced age 
of ninety-two years. With so fair a 
record in the past, and with plenty of 
pure air, an abundance of excellent water 
for all purposes, and the competent and 
efficient Board of Health now in service 
to look after and suppress all sources of 
danger to public health, we feel war- 
ranted in claiming exceptional advantages 
in respect to health and longevity. 

As an assurance that the health record 
of Natick will be maintained, we have 
fifteen resident physicians, of whom eight 
are members of the Mass. Medical Society, 
and two belong to the Homoeopathic 
School of Medicine. Happily, however, 
their services are not limited to this 
community; but, located, in Natick, and 
connected by telephone with all adjoining 
towns and villages, their field of useful- 
ness extends over a circuit having a 
radius of eight to ten miles. 

CHURCHES. 

There are in Natick nine places of 
public worship. Of these, six are in the 
centre of the town, of the following 
denominations : Congregational, Metho- 
dist, Baptist, Universalist, Episcopal and 
Roman Catholic. The remaining three 
are in the south village, viz. : Unitarian, 
Congregational and Roman Catholic. 
The officiating clergymen are all able 
preachers. 



scnooLS. 
The people of Natick consider the 
public schools as of first importance. 
This they have always shown by making 
liberal appropriations for their support, 
having, on several occasions, exceeded 
the estimates made by the school com- 
mittee. There are, in the town, thirty- 
nine schools in which are 1892 pupils 
under the instruction of forty-six teach- 
ers, at an average cost, per pupil, of 
about $17. They occupy twelve school 
buildings, so located as to most conven- 
iently accommodate all the pupils. A 
most successful evening school was 
established toward the close of 1888. 
This will be continued in the centre of 
the town, aud another will be opened in 
the south village the coming winter. 

HOME SCHOOL. 

For those who desire to place their 
children under private instruction, the 
Home School, on Park avenue, offers all 
the advantages one could desire. It has 
an efficient corps of teachers, and its 
record during the series of years since its 
establishment is a sufficient guarantee, to 
the public, of the excellence and thor- 
oughness of its work. 

MUSIC AND ART. 

Lovers of music and art will find in 
this town unusual advantages and con- 
genial companionship. Natick has always 
been noted for the musical talent of its 
people. It is stated, on good authority, 
that more than 1300 pianos are in use 
hc,e. 



18 

We have two excellent art stores and 
numerous teachers of the various kinds 
of drawing and painting can be found In 
this town. 

TUBLIC LIBRARIES. 

In this department of her educational 
facilities which has .so happily been 
styled the "people's college," Natick has 
been singularly favored. The Town 
Library was founded in 1857. Natick 
being the home of Henry Wilson, its 
library received from him a large number 
of public documents, as they were issued. 

B> the will of Mary Ann Morse, a 
native and resident of this town, she 
gave her entire estate to the town for 
library purposes. In 1873, according to 
her expressed wishes, a building was 
completed by the trustees who had been 
chosen by the town. They also made a 
large purchase of books, with which were 
united those of the existing town library. 
The whole constituted the "Morse Insti- 
tute," having In its various classes 7811 
volumes for circulation and reference. 
At the end of February, 1889, they had 
increased to 15,172 volumes, beside a 
valuable collection of pamphlets. There 
is one reading room devoted to magazines 
of various classes, both home and for- 
eign, while the other contains daily and 
weekly newspapers. The library and 
reading rooms are open at specified hours 
dailv. 

At the South village is located the 
Bacon Free Library. Oliver Bacon, Esq., 
a native, and for more than eighty-one 
.pears a iesldent in that village, by will 



19 

appointed a board of trustees as his resid- 
uary legatees. They were required to 
give bonds for faithful service under his 
instructions. They erected a lire-proof 
building, purchased books, and estab- 
lished the library. It was opened in 1881, 
like the Morse Institute, "for the free 
use of all the inhabitants of the town." 
This library now contains about 3450 
volumes, and the tables in its reading 
room are supplied with choice periodicals. 
In connection with it, the library of the 
Historical Natural History and Library 
Society of South Natick, which includes 
1000 volumes and is located in the game 
room, is also open to the public as a 
reference department. 

THE HISTORICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY 
SOCIETY. ITS LIBRARY AND MUSEUM. 

This society was founded in 1870. Its 
objects were to gather all facts of local 
history which could be obtained ; to make 
a collection of historical relics ©f local 
interest; to secure specimens in all de- 
partments of Natural History; and to 
form a library composed of books relat- 
ing to each department of the society's 
work, and also of such books as, from 
their age or character, were esteemed 
valuable or interesting. 

This society has succeeded in gathering 
together a library of 1000 or more vol- 
umes, while the departments of the 
museum are of exceptional interest and 
value. There are few places, outside of 
cities, where can be found so rare and 
extensive a collection, especially in bot» 



20 

any, conchology, ornithology and min* 
eralogy. These have all been carefully 
classified and arranged by experienced 
naturalists. 

The museum is placed in the Bacon 
Free Library building, the founder of 
that institution having instructed his 
trustees to pro^ ide suitable rooms for the 
free and permanent use of that society. 

WATER WORKS. 

The Natick Water Works were com- 
menced early in 1874, and have steadily 
grown in public favor. There are now 
more than twenty-six miles of street 
mains in use with 145 hydrants for 
service by the fire department. There 
are also large drinking fountains iu each 
of the three business centres of the 
town, Natick, South Natick and Felch- 
ville. 

FIRB DEPARTMENT. 

Natick has excellent facilities for pro- 
tection against fire. The apparatus 
includes two steam fire engines, one hook 
and ladder company, and five hose com- 
panies, which in connection with the 
numerous hydrants, form a most effective 
fire service. The introduction of the 
Gamewell system of Electric Fire Alarm 
Telegraph has greatly increased the avail- 
ability and value of this department. 
Nine signal boxes have been established, 
and about 11 miles of wire connect these 
points with the several stations of the 
fire apparatus. The provisions for se- 
curity against fire in Natick hold a high 
rank in the state. No better proof of 



21 

this is needed than the fact that the rates 
of fire insurance risks in our town are 
quite as low as in any other community 
iu eastern Massachusetts. Indeed, they 
are much lower than in many other towns 
of the same size. 

MAILS, TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE. 

Natick has an exceptionally good postal 
service. Each day five mails go to Boston 
and the east, and eight arrive from those 
points. Five mails go to the west and 
south and four arrive. Two mails go to 
the north and two arrive in Natick from 
that direction. A smaller number of 
mails go from and are received at the 
South village, but the people of that 
place are well accommodated in this 
respect. At the B. & A. R. R. depot 
there is an office of the Western Union 
Telegraph Co., open day and evening. 
The New England Telephone and Tele- 
graph Co. is located in Winch's block, 
South Avenue, and can be used at any 
time, day or night. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

Our town supports three local news- 
papers, the "Natick Bulletin," "Natick 
Citizen," and the "Natick Weekly Re- 
view." These papers furnish full reports 
of all that transpires within its limits, 
with a brief resume of life in the adjacent 
villages. 

HORSE RAILROAD. 

Street cars connect Cochituate village 
and Felchville with the centre of the 
town. Tbey run each way at frequent 



22 

intervals, and make close connection with 
all trains on the B. & A. R. R. A new 
highway, securing an easy grade, has 
been surveyed to the South village, 
through which, when completed, a street 
railway is projected. 

society. 

Our town is conspicuous for the activity 
of its social life and the generous hospi- 
tality of its people. Their fondness for 
social enjoyment finds gratification in the 
frequent meetings of many local societies. 
Prominent among these are the Masons 
and the Order of the Eastern Star, 
I. O. O. F. and Daughters of Rebekah, 
G. A. R., Relief Corps, and S. of V., 

0. U. A. M. and Daughters of Liberty, 

1. O. R. M. and Daughters of Pocahontas, 
Co. L, 9th regiment, M. V. M., Royal 
Arcanum, A. L. of H., Home Circle, 
K. ofH., Golden Cross, K. of P., Iron 
Hall, British Americans, A. O. U. W., 
Tonti, A. O. ofH., W. C. T. U., Y. M. 
C. A., I. O. G. T., Reform Club, and 
F. M. T. A. & L. Association. In addition, 
there are more than fifty others, beside 
numerous societies connected with the 



NO LICENSE. 

Natick has, for several years, been a 
no-license town and the present indica- 
tions all show that this will be her settled 
policy for the future. There are eight 
temperance organizations in town, and 
though each is working in its own way, 
they all have the same object in view, 
which is the banishment of the liquor 



23 

traffic. 'The Economy and Order Asso- 
ciation was organized to briug about a 
reform in the administration of public 
affairs, and it has been eminently success- 
ful in the prosecution of this work. 
Indeed, its success was so marked that 
letters have been received from all parts 
of the country, inquiring as to the 
methods adopted which had effected so 
desirable a result. 

INDUSTRIES. 

The manufacture of boots and shoes is 
extensively carried on, giving employ- 
ment to a large number of people. 

The Harwood base ball factory, one of 
the largest in the couutry, is located here. 

There are also several machine shops 
and carriage factories in successful oper- 
ation. 

Beside these there is a steam grist-mill 
connected with a wholesale flour and 
grain business. 

J. Jennings Jr. & Son have an establish 
ment for the manufacture of knives and 
other edge tools. 

The Veterinary Hospital of J. B. 
Messenger & Son, on Pond street, takes 
high rank among owners of high-bred 
horses as being one of the best appointed 
and most successful equine sanatoriums 
in the state. 

J.* A. Morse & Son have a saw-mill 
and grist-mill in the southern part of the 
town. 

The Maltha Manufacturing Co. at South 
Natick manufacture there a substitute for 
India Rubber. 



24 



BANKS. 

Our financial institutions consist] of a 
National Bank, a Five Cents Savings 
Bank, and the Henry Wilson Co-operative 
Bank. All these establishments are well 
conducted, and command the confidence 
of the community. 

ADVANTAGES FOR BUSINESS. 

It is of great importance to those who 
are about embarkiug in business, to select 
a location combining the largest number 
of advantages in order to attain the 
highest degree of success. Natick pos- 
sesses so many of these requisites that a 
person seeking a location in which to 
establish himself would find it to his 
profit to come to this town to make a 
tour of observation. 

There are some manufacturers who, 
after starting in business in other places, 
find they have made a mistake for the 
reason that the location selected is 
less suitable for their purpose 
than they expected, in conse- 
quence of which competitors, more 
favorably situated, are takiug business 
from them. Therefore they are seeking 
the best place to which they may remove 
their works. All such persons are invited 
to visit. Natick and investigate the advan- 
tages which it possesses for every kind 
of business. 

Natick Centre is built upon a plain, and 
near the railroad is laud well-suited and 
available for manufacturing purposes. 
The railroad facilities are such as to 
afford direct and frequent communication 



25 

with all parts of New England, and also 
with the west and south. Thus the local 
manufacturer has rea:ly access, not only 
to all sources of raw material but to all 
markets for their goods in every direction. 
He also finds the bank, postal, telegraph, 
telephone, express and railroad (both 
passenger and freight) facilities entirely 
satisfactory. 

The water power at the South village is 
only partially utilized. The water is 
peculiarly well adapted to paper making, 
and was for manv years used for that pur- 
pose until the mill was bought by other 
parties engaged in another branch of 
manufactures. This mill was burned 
about five years ago. 

FINE LOCATION FOR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS 
AND SUBURBAN VILLAS. 

The numerous hills of Natick are ad- 
mirably adapted as sites for institutions 
of a public character, such as a college, 
observatory or any educational or scien- 
tific establishment, also for a sanatorium 
or for summer hotels. The pure air, 
charming outlook and easy accessibility 
of these heights render them peculiarly 
desirable for either of the objects above 
named. 

They may also be quite as appropriately 
occupied by suburban villas or other style 
of country seat, as seen in the elegant 
mansion of Mrs. Hollis Hunnewell on 
Train's Hill, and the tasteful an d charm- 
ing residences which now occupy portions 
of "Walnut Hill and its adjacent lesser 
e minences Along the shores of Lake 



26 

Cochituate are picturesque, elevations andi 
overlooking Charles river are high banks, 
all of which are desirable localities for 
summer residences. Some persons, how- 
ever, prefer a level tract upon which to 
dwell. Their wishes, in this respect, can 
be acceptably met in many parts of the 
town, and within easy reach of schools, 
stores and public conveyances. While 
prices have been gradually risiug during 
recent years, they are still moderate, and 
the present is a most favorable time for 
those wishing to secure a spot for a 
country seat, to come to Natick and select 
some of our charming locations for that 
purpose. > 

HOMES AT MODERATE COST. 

There are many men, heads of families, 
whose daily life is passed in offices, stores 
or workshops in Boston or the adjoining 
cities, and who are residing within the 
city limits. These men and their families 
often feel that they are losing some por- 
tion of their birth-right of the fresh air 
and pleasant surrouudings which are en- 
joyed in suburban towns. The persons 
thus situated are often led to consider 
this problem \ 

Where is the town, near Boston, which 
can be easily reached after the business 
hours of each day are over ; where a home 
at moderate cost can be procured ; where 
the air is pure, and good water abundant; 
the scenery varied and attractive ; where 
there are good schools, a public library, 
churches, desirable society and social or- 
ganizations j where the streets are well 



27 

made, furnished with sidewalks, and 
lighted at night; where the laws are 
properly enforced and vicious influences 
held in subjection ; and where the cost of 
living is made reasonable by honorable 
competition among the local dealers In 
the necessaries of life? 

Let all such questioners read this book 
carefully and then improve the first op- 
portunity to visit Natick and see for 
themselves how fully this town meets 
their every requirement. 

GENERAL REMARKS. 

The business portion of Natick is nearly 
new, the great fire of 1874 having swept 
away most of the business houses. These 
were replaced by substantial blocks of 
brick and stone, which givejthe town an air 
of solidity and permanence. The largest 
of these, Clark's block, on Main street, is 
two hundred and forty feet long. Con- 
cert hall, in the central portion of this 
block, is said to be the largest and finest 
public hall between Boston and Worces- 
ter. 

When erecting these buildings, modern 
improvements and conveniences were in 
all cases introduced, securing largely in- 
creased facilities for the transaction of 
business. Our stores are, in size and ap- 
pointments the best to be found in a wide 
district. They are mostly heated by 
steam or hot water and lighted by gas or 
electricity, or both. They represent near- 
ly all departments of trade, and carry 
large stocks of goods which are sold at 
prices so reasonable as to attract the 



28 

trade, not of Natlck alone, but that of 
people in all adjoining towns, and also 
from points even twelve to fifteen miles 
away in many directions. 

The south village was visited by a like 
disastrous conflagration in 1872, by which, 
alsOj the greater portion of its buildings 
for business were destroyed. Beside 
these, the Historical Natural History and 
Library Society lost its entire collections, 
including books, relics and specimens in 
natural history which had been gathered 
to that time. Great improvement in ar- 
chitectural beauty and convenience was 
secured in the structures erected to re- 
place the buildings which were burned. 

Although Natick is the place of hills, 
her streets are generally so located and 
built that but few steep grades exist upon 
them, and the most of these can be easily 
avoided. It is the purpose of the authori- 
ties to keep the streets safe as well as in 
good condition, and the pleasure of a 
drive is rarely marred by any accident 
caused by defects in our highways. Good 
sidewalks line the streets and extend far 
out from the business centres. Concrete 
crossings are being laid on the piincipal 
thoroughfares and are being multiplied. 
These latter conveniences were secured 
chiefly through the efforts of the Town 
Improvement Society, an organization re- 
cently started, which was also instrumen- 
tal in procuring an increased appropria- 
tion for the further extension and im- 
provement of sidewalks. 

Shade trees are a conspicuous feature 
of our streets and landscape scenery. 



29 

Some of the finest trees in the State are td 
be found in this town. 

The Natick Electric Light Company and 
the Natick Gas Light Company share the 
service of lighting the streets, stores, 
public halls and residences in the centre 
of the town, while the former extends its 
cables to South Natick and through Felch- 
ville to Cochituate. 

Natick is a growing place. It has a 
constant accession of population. This 
is not limited to the natural increase of a 
town of its size. Since the no-license 
system was established here, more than 
three years ago, the money formerly spent 
in the saloons has been turned into legiti- 
mate channels, in consequence of which 
all branches of trade have prospered. By 
the banishment of the saloon the town 
has gained a more sober and skillful class 
of workmen. The manufacturing busi- 
ness has greatly increased, giving em- 
ployment to many additional persons. 
For this reason it was found necessary to 
make large additious to many of the fac- 
tories. Several handsome blocks have 
recently been erected, the stores and 
offices in which have been at once occu- 
pied. 

The certainty of the enforcement of 
law and the ample protection of person 
and property, give a sense of security 
which has attracted numerous families to 
come here to reside. The increase of 
population has necessitated the building 
of a large number of dwelling houses. 

Natick is supplied with good hotels, 
and persons visiting the town can find 



30 

satisfactory accommodations. Bailey's 
hotel, by far the longest established of 
any in town, is located at the south vil- 
lage. It has acquired a high reputation 
and is noted far and wide for the excel- 
lence of its cuisine and the thoughtful 
attention given to its guests. In the 
season it is filled with summer boarders, 
and is a popular resort for wheelmen in 
summer and sleighing parties in winter. 
The Wilson House, the most commodious 
in the centre of the town, is convenient- 
ly located for the accommodation of 
strangers and other guests. It is a well 
kept house and commands a good share 
of public patronage. 

Excellent restaurants and good board- 
ing houses also abound. 

HOW TO REACH NATICK. 

Natick is seventeen miles from Boston 
on the Boston & Albany railroad. There 
are fifteen trains from Boston to Natick 
and sixteen trains from Natick to Boston 
each week day. These trains leave Bos- 
ton at short intervals from 5 a. m. to 
11.16 p. m., and leave Natick from 
5.51 a. m. to 10.27 p. m. Single fares 
between the two places are forty cents ; 
ten-ride tickets, $3.60; season tickets for 
three months, $20; for two months, $15; 
for one month, $10. 

The four track system of the B. & A. 
R. R. corporation, already completed to 
Riverside, is being extended to South 
Framingham as rapidly as possible. As- 
soon as the four tracks are laid to Natick, 
a new passenger station is to be built 



31 

here, and when the improvements have 
reached South Framingham it is expected 
that an increased number of trains will be 
put on between that station and Boston 
to afford the needed accommodation for 
the public at the stations along the new 
portion of the four-track system. 

A movement is on foot to procure the 
building of a branch of the Mass. Central 
railroad from Wayland Centre to Cochitu- 
ate, three and a half miles. Natick being 
but two miles distant from Cochltuate, 
over a level country, our citizens are be- 
coming actively interested to have the 
branch extended to this town. They in- 
dulge strong hopes that success may at- 
tend this scheme, and thereby a second 
railway connection between Natick and 
Boston may, in the near future, become 
an accomplished fact. 

South Natick can be reached by the 
B. & A. R. K., stopping at the Wellesley 
station, going thence by coach two miles, 
to that village. This coach line makes 
five trips each way, daily. Public car- 
riages are always in waiting, both at 
Natick and Wellesley, to convey pas- 
sengers wherever they desire. 

Felchville is on the horse railroad line 
which starts from the B. & A. B. R. 
station at Natick ; fare, five cents. 

If any persons visiting Natick to study 
her advantages for business or for resi- 
dence, will call upon either member of 
the Board of Selectmen, Samuel W. Mann, 
Frank B. Tilton or Arthur F. Atwood, 
.they will be cordially received and fur- 



2 -2 



nished with every faeility fur eil'ectiu; 
their purpose. 



NOTE. 

In the following pages, no separate de- 
scription of South Natick and its advan- 
tages are given, as the leading features in 
that village are spoken of under their 
appropriate heads in connection with 
those of the centre of the town. 



PD 



18 



4-4 














■> .0 



.*• 






--% v 



£?,* .«J 









■*»* 



.-*£ 



















*...,: 





















A. .^ 




» " * « -^> 




, 



' / s s * A <D ^ 



ST. AUGUSTINE 







LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





014 079 214 7 



